A Growing Delight: A Day in Young.

Yesterday we drove to Young in Central West of NSW, about 90 minutes drive from Canberra. We wanted to see the Cherry trees in blossom. It was a lovely drive there and back now that the crops are growing and the dams almost overflowing. Along the way we explored (still in the car) Bowning, Binalong, Galong, Harden, Murrumburrah and Wombat. If you are interested in pelargoniums (Regal, Zonal and Ivy-leafed) the Old Convent Geranium Nursery at Wombat is an absolute 'must visit' with literally hundreds of varieties to choose from. I bought several plants in pots, including six chosen for the colour and markings on their foliage rather than their flowers.

We stopped on the outskirts of Young so that I could take photos of the Cherry orchards and encountered a little too much nature for my liking. I was just about to step off the road into some grass when I noticed a copperhead snake coiled up in the exact spot I would have put my foot. So I gave that a miss and walked along the road for a better view of the trees. As I was taking the photo I heard the flap of wings and the clicking of a beak as a magpie swooped low overhead and landed nearby, sharpening his beak all the while. I decided I'd had enough encounters with the wildlife of Young at that spot and hopped back in the car.

We parked in town, did the rounds of the Op. Shops, had lunch, walked up and down the main street, called into a discount curtain shop and was able to buy a fabulous amount of fabric and samples for next-to-nothing, all of which will be perfect for bags, etc. for ShellyC and me. Then it was out to J.D.'s Jam Factory to stock up on supplies, to the Lambing Flats Chinese Memorial Garden and then to the highlight of the day, Jacaranda Hill gardens.

Two and a half acres of sheer delight set amongst the biggest boulders I've ever seen in a garden. The boulders have been there for thousands of years but the owners for only 16 years. They have created a beautiful garden of bulbs, perennials and trees, with wide sweeping grass paths meandering amongst these huge rounded boulders. For anyone visiting Young, this garden is a must see. We spent well over an hour there and walked and talked with the owner. I would have loved to have taken lots of photos but I somehow didn't like to when she was with us; although she was such a delightful lady that she probably would not have minded had I asked her.

A garden that we had visited a few years ago, The Price of Peace, is now only open by appointment and for a minimum of 10 visitors, so we missed out on that one. But all in all, it was a lovely day, even if we did have McDonalds for dinner on the way home.

Cherry Orchard outside Young.